One Little Word 2009 & Giveaways
I am so excited to embark on a new word for 2009.
My word is nurture.
For me, especially with a new baby on the way within the next month or so, I have been thinking a lot about nurturing. It's such a soft, slow, gentle word.
There are many things in my life I would like to focus on nurturing this coming year. Our new baby girl. Simon and the transition to big brotherhood. My relationship with Chris. Photography. Patience. My business & this blog.
I am also going to be conscious of nurturing myself during this time of major transition in our lives.
There is something very special about this word for me. It represents slowing down, simplifying, and pinpointing what is really important to me in my life (not just the next 365 days). I am nervous and excited and so looking forward to what is to come.
The idea behind the one little word concept is to give yourself something to focus on throughout the year. As I stated in my newsletter back in January 2007, "A single word can be a powerful thing. It can be the ripple in the pond that changes everything. It can sharp and biting or rich and soft and slow."
Also from that same newsletter:
Can you identify a single word that sums up what you want
for yourself in 2009?
It can be something tangible or intangible. It could be a
thought or a feeling or an emotion. It can be singular or
plural. The key is to find something that has personal
meaning for you. This is not your mother's word or your
spouse's word or your child's word - this is YOUR
word.
One little word can have big meaning in your life if you allow
yourself to be open to the possibilities. And here's one thing
that is totally interesting: sometimes a word will pop into
your brain and it will not make any sense to you right now.
Give it some time. Let it percolate a bit. I have often
found that our hearts speak to us in very unique ways.
Maybe this is a word you need to hear but just aren't ready
for it yet. Again, be open to the possibilities.
I can't wait to see all the words for 2009.
To celebrate the new year I have three very special giveaways - all directly related to this project. Two beautiful pieces of jewelry and one piece of art to celebrate your word.
Lisa Leonard Designs
Giveaway: One custom Word of the Year Necklace
Special for AE readers: 20% off Word of the Year necklaces with the code "myword" at checkout
Meet Lisa | Shop Lisa
Liz Lamoreux Soul Mantra Pendants
Giveaway : One custom Soul Mantra Pendant any size or design
Special for AE readers : 20% off Soul Mantra necklaces throughout January. Enter code "one word 2009" in the notes to seller and the discount will be refunded to you through Paypal.
Meet Liz | Shop Liz
Stephanie from Homegrown Hospitality
Giveaway: One 4x6 black or white frame with hand drawn doodle in color pallet of your choice. The doodle can include "The Word" or "A Name" and a favorite quote, verse or scripture.
Special for AE readers: Stephanie is donating $5 from the sale of each doodle to Autism Speaks.
Meet & Shop Stephanie
To be entered into the drawing today please leave a comment with your word for 2009. It's totally fine if you are still thinking about it - if that's the case just leave a comment with some of your intentions for this new year. Comments will be closed on Thursday, January 1st at noon Pacific with the winners posted shortly after.
A safe and Happy New Year to each and every one of you.
I've not decided on my word yet. Have narrowed it down. Am even considering keeping last year's word "Time" again. Hope to have made the big decision before the day's end.
Annie
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Okay - I've been thinking about this for a while & trying to find something that would stick... after a rough last year... and a tumultuous (sp) holiday... my word is FAMILY.
Best wishes to you and your family in the coming year!
-Jen
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Faith...Faith in God myself and life and love...There are too many words but I think I will first handle this one. Thank you for inspiring me to think. Lots of Luck Love Health in 2009 to you and your family! Grace
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Seize....
Seize the day- moments-project-time with family- purposely seize to live well- seize a new house- seize and don't procastiate- enjoy each day...
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The word I chose is embrace. I want to spend more time embracing my life, my loves, my family, my friends, my talents.
I love your OLW, Ali. You are so inspiring, thank you.
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I wasn't going to participate but I was journaling the other day and thought a word to describe this upcoming year would be perfect for me.
My word is CHANGE.
Not only do I want to change myself but I want to change where I am.
Thanks, good luck and happy new year!
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Hello Ali,
My 2009 word is start. Start every day like it is a gift. If I get behind or fret, I just need to start over. Getting started is a powerful word for me because it conveys action. this year I'm going to Start.
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My word for '09 is SHINE! I just finished blogging about it. :)
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I was thinking about this last night and i really havent decided yet. I think that im leaning toward finish, cus i need to do more finishing then starting :)
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Change will be my word for 2009. There will be a lot of changes for me this year with one son starting college and the other finishing. I also need to make changes in my life, I'm stuck in such a rut and need to get out of it. Good health and happiness to you and your family, Ali!
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I see I'm not the only one with this word for 2009: FOCUS. It ties up so many of the things I want for this year... Happy New Year!
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My word in 2008 was revel and this year I think I will choose BREVITY. It seems a little odd to me but I think there is a purpose for this focus. Our lives are short, our impact needs to be intentional, so I need to focus in and continue savoring the moments of life.
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I love this idea. My word is CREATE. I want to focus in this new year on creating a healthier me, a more organized life, a better financial situation, a stronger faith, better relationships with my loved ones,a new role for myself as I head into the empty nest years, and artistically.
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I am going to go with cherish I want to cherish every bit of life this year we were saying last night that 2010 will be ten years since we were all out celebrating the millenium and I feel that it has passed in such a flash and i have taken way to much of it for granted so now I wan't to stop and smell the roses.
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I think the word I would like to focus on for 2009 is ACT, this is a year of accomplishing things that have been on the back burner for too long. I am excited about the possibilities of doing away with procrastination.
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My word is frugale. My family needs to cut back and learn to live on less. We are going to work on being more green. Reduse, reuse, recycle.
Denise Spring, TX
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Happy New Year! My word for 2009 is INTENTION - Live with Intention.
My quote for the year is "Your beliefs become your thoughts. Your thoughts become your words. Your words become your actions. Your actions become your habits. Your habits become your values. Your values become your destiny" Mahatma Gandhi
My scripture for the year is from Hebrews 12 - "Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed - that exhilarating finish in and with God - he could put up with anything along the way. And now he's THERE, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. THAT will shoot adrenaline into your souls!"
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my word of the year is...BELIEVE
believe-that our next IVF attempt will bring us joy
believe-that my business will grow and prosper
believe-in the power of good people
believe-that I need to take care of myself before I can care for others
believe-that things can always change for the better
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my word for 2008 was Tolerate and boy did we come up against some serious issues in our life that meant I had to test this word to the max. Sometimes I didnt want to tolerate but by doing so I saved myself some very bad moods and upset!
My word for 2009 is Breathe. Ive not been allowing myself to take in the stuff that comes our way recently. This year I want to take it all in so therefore I will allow myself some time to Breathe. sigh........... :)
:)
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I think Perseverance. To keep after it in spite of obstacles or hurdles you have to overcome. I can do it.
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My word for this year is UNCOMPLICATED. I am a perfectionist and whenever I take on some new project, I find it really difficult to stick to my original (simple) idea. I lost my job this month and now that I will have more free time to do these projects I want to remind myself of what really matters to me.
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I'm trying to decide between thoughtful and gracious.
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My word this year .. Enjoy
I plan on enjoying this signature year .. I turn 50 .. I celebrate 20 years of marriage .. my son graduates from High School and will then start college in the fall .. where we will then be "empty nester's" .. With so much change to be this year .. I am going to tell myself to Enjoy it all!
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After much consideration, I have chosen...
FLOURISH~
to grow and succeed and thrive, especially in a positive environment.
I am so excited to work towards creating an environment where not only I can flourish, but my sweet little family can as well.
I wish you a blessed New Year.
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My word for this year is PATIENCE. I need to have more patience with my kids, my husband's job and people who drive like crap. I need to have more patience with myself. I need to be more patient with most parts of my life. I will definately work on it!!! :)
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